St. Francis Xavier Parish revives Vacation Bible School after 30 years, delighting local children
By Leonna Heuring Sikeston, MO
After 30 years, St. Francis Xavier Parish, in Sikeston, brought back Vacation Bible School (VBS) for children to have fun and learn about Jesus.
Approximately 50 or so children in kindergarten through fifth grades participated daily in the event, which was from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., June 23-27, under the theme, “The Great Journey with Jesus: Through the Church Year,” using a curriculum from Cat Chat, which the Sikeston Knights of Columbus sponsored for the church.
them across the street to the basement of St. Francis Xavier Catholic School where they would take turns at various stations. Each group of children rotated through crafts, music, games, faith lessons, and snacks, with a cowbell signaling when it is time to move to the next station.
Around 11:20 a.m., everyone would head back to the parish center for a closing prayer and final discussion about the day.
On the first day, children explored the theme of Advent, according to VBS volunteer Sarah Lee Hunter.
Each day of the program highlighted a different season in the church calendar with corresponding colors, symbols, activities and daily Bible verse. The daily themes were Advent, Christmas, Ordinary Time, Lent and Easter.
The children started each day in the church parish center, which was fully decorated in the VBS theme with five tents representing a color in the liturgical season and one tent looking like a Bethlehem
outdoor market. There, a table was set up to depict the day’s theme featuring various items and the priest’s vestment.
“Tour guide” Jennifer Burzynski would open the day with prayer, announcements, and share a “satchel surprise.” Jesus, (Neil Hann, parishioner) was fully dressed in costume each morning and he had the satchel surprise to give Burzynski.
The satchel surprise was an item pulled from her satchel that tied to the day’s theme. After the opening, the children were assigned by age into five groups, and their guide-leaders took
“It represents hope and the season of advent is a time of waiting,” Hunter said, adding the satchel surprise was a clock, which tells time.
The second day focused on Christmas and the Holy family. The children received a visit from special guests: Joseph, Mary, and baby Jesus (portrayed by Spencer, Emma, and Colson Riley) along with a live donkey (who was brought by owner Chad Tweedy).
“The Holy family represents wonder, and the satchel surprise was the light, a flashlight. The light is the guiding star and Jesus is the light of the world,” Hunter said. “It was so exciting.”
Each day continued by celebrating the theme. On Friday, the week came fullcircle by celebrating Easter and Jesus’ resurrection, which represents joy, Hunter said, adding the satchel surprise was a live baby chicken.
“Jesus brings new life, so that’s why we have new life in the satchel,” Hunter said.
CATHOLIC GRANDPARENTS
Members of Saint Francis Xavier’s Catholic Grandparents Association brought Vacation Bible School back to their church this summer for the first time in 30 years. Hunter credited fellow parishioner Cathy Bucher, who is also a member of the Grandparents Association, for the idea.
“Cathy Bucher stood up at our Grandparents Association meeting back in February and said: ‘Ladies, we need a Vacation Bible School here at St. Francis,’” Hunter said. “So, she planted the seed and voila.”
Bucher was inspired to help organize the event after seeing her granddaughter enjoy a similar program elsewhere last
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VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL Vacation Bible students held a banner and cross they made during crafts.
Approximately 50 or so children in kindergarten through fifth grades participated daily in VBS at St. Francis of Xavier Parish, Sikeston, June 23-27, under the theme, “The Great Journey with Jesus: Through the Church Year,” using a curriculum from Cat Chat, which the Sikeston Knights of Columbus sponsored for the church. (The Mirror)
HOLY FAMILY VISIT VBS Children who attended St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church’s Vacation Bible School visit with the Holy family, Joseph (Spencer Riley), Mary (Emma Riley), baby Jesus (Colson Riley), and their donkey (Donny with owner Chad Tweedy), outside of the church Tue., June 24, in Sikeston (Photo by Leonna Heuring/The Mirror)
JIntertwined: marriage, family, fidelity, sanctity of life & vocations COME, AND YOU WILL SEE
Bp. Edward M. Rice
uly 25, 2025 marked the 57th anniversary of Pope Paul VI’s landmark encyclical “Humanae Vitae” (“On Human Life”), defending the Church’s stance on familyplanning, abortion, sterilization, and contraception. The encyclical speaks of God’s plan for married love and the transmission of life, and in what I think can only be described as wisdom from on high, Pope Paul VI warned of the dangers of a contraceptive mentality overwhelming our culture. He first cautioned that the use of contraceptives will increase marital infidelity and the lowering of moral standards. He then highlighted the possibility of a decrease in reverence for women, reducing them to mere instruments of satisfaction of a man’s desires. Finally, Pope Paul VI said that nations will include contraception in their policies, even dictating the number of children allowed.
For decades, China followed the “one child” policy which included forced abortions and sterilization. With a preference for males being born, sex-selective abortions or the simple abandonment of female infants skyrocketed in the country. As a result, China is now facing a rapidly-aging population in a shrinking workforce. Other countries, especially in Europe, are facing a population desert. Flowing from this contraceptive mentality, children are now often seen as an inconvenience, interfering with the “freedom” of couples. These days some couples prefer a pet instead of a child. In 2022 and 2024, Pope Francis spoke
about the issue of pets over children, calling it a “form of selfishness.”
Sacramental marriage on the other hand, is characterized by a total, faithful, and fruitful commitment of spouses. In a sense, a couple makes a “blind obedience” to each other, believing that their love will be enough, a love rooted in the love of Christ. In April, I was blessed to have the wedding of my niece and her husband. And, at the end of June, I celebrated the 50th anniversary of a couple. What do these two marriages have in common? Although 50 years apart, both couples vowed to love each other with a total, faithful, and fruitful commitment with Christ as the “third” person in their marriages.
On a side note, we all realize vocations to the priesthood and religious life flow from families. When a young man or woman sees that total love of parents, they are more open to the total love required in the priesthood and religious life. Cardinal Timothy Dolan of New York said, “We have a vocation crisis of lifelong, life-giving, loving, faithful marriage. If we take care of that one, we’ll have all the priests and nuns we’ll need for the Church.”
THE MEN’S STUDY
And what about men? The Vitae Foundation specializes in researchbased advertising strategies to market effective pro life messages. Their mission is to make abortion unthinkable. Their latest effort is to study the effects of abortion on men with a study titled, “The Missing Piece: Engaging Men to
J
FIRST FRIDAY MASS for VOCATIONS
oin Bishop Rice on the First Friday of each month to pray for an increase in Vocations to the priesthood and religious life in the Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau. The Rosary will be prayed following the liturgy. Parishes are invited to do the same as we continue to pray for more vocations to the priesthood and religious life in the diocese.
Fri., Aug. 1 St. Agnes Cathedral, Springfield 5:30 p.m.
Fri., Sept. 5 +EMR Holy Land Pilgrimage Mass
Fri., Oct. 3 St. Mary Cathedral, Cape Girardeau 5:15 p.m.
Fri., Nov. 7 St. Agnes Cathedral, Springfield 5:30 p.m.
Fri., Dec. 5 O’Reilly Catholic Student Center, Springfield 12:15 p.m.
End Abortion” (https://vitaefoundation. org/the_missing-piece/).
Yes, men do suffer from abortion! The data shows that one in five men will experience abortion in their lifetime. Some 70 percent of men who have experienced abortion suffer psychological effects. Nearly 60 percent of men face prolonged grief after an abortion decision. Current abortion messages tell the man he has no say in abortion, to stay silent, and that his only response is to support the woman in her decision. Vitae Foundation is currently developing messages that empower men to step away from the “I’ll support you either way” mentality. Their messages are being developed to better engage men to be responsible and accountable in unplanned pregnancy situations. Please visit our diocesan Respect Life page of the diocesan Website to see how you can assist in this effort.
I cannot help but mention our own local pro-life centers: LifeHouse in Springfield and LifeHouse in Cape Girardeau, where women facing homelessness are offered a comprehensive program with the goal of creating a better life for mother and child. Incidentally, they’re both having galas this fall, so please make plans to attend: Sept. 20 in Springfield and Nov. 1 in Cape Girardeau. More information is at www.ccsomo.org!
If anyone ever says that the Catholic Church is only concerned about the mother giving birth to the child and then we abandon them both post-birth, your response should be “VISIT a LIFEHOUSE.” When you step back and look at all the things that I’ve mentioned, one quickly realizes that all these
By Bishop Emeritus John J. Leibrecht
issues are tied together—the sanctity of life, family, abortion, vocations, commitment, divorce, marriage, etc. There is so much at stake. Thank you for all you do to witness to Faith and our sacramental commitments. As Pope St. John Paul II stated, “As the family goes, so goes the nation and so goes the whole world in which we live.”
“O Sacrament Most Holy, O Sacrament Divine, all praise and all thanksgiving, be every moment Thine.” ©TM
Before his retirement in 2008 as the Fifth Bishop of the Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau, Bishop John Leibrecht wrote a standing column in The Mirror entitled, “Walking Together.” At the end of each article, Bp. Leibrecht would normally share a funny story referencing his travels to the schools, or time with friends, family, or other bishops. The Mirror has decided to share a few of these in an ongoing series entitled, “Another walk through: ‘Walking Together.’” We hope you enjoy them.
September 10, 1993 A proud father told his neighbor, “My son just received his M.A.” The neighbor said, “I suppose now he’ll be going on for his Ph.D.” “Actually,” the father said, “I hope he goes on for a J-O-B.”
September 17, 1993 “Every time I have a cup of coffee, I get a stabbing pain in my right eye,” a man complained to his
friend. “What do you think might cause it?” Quickly, his friend answered, “Probably, the spoon in your cup.”
October 1, 1993 A large man stepped on a scale at a supermarket without having noticed the “Out of Order” sign on it. The scale registered his weight as “86” pounds. A young boy watching the man said, “Man, he must be hollow.”
By Fr. Daniel Belken
NADULT FAITH
WHEN SHEPHERDS FALL:
A Reflection on the Hidden Burdens of Priests
ot too many months ago, tragedy struck a parish in Iowa when Fr. Dennis Conway, a beloved priest, took his own life. Just days ago, a similar heartbreak occurred in northern Italy when Don Matteo Balzano, only 35 years old, did the same. Every suicide is tragic, but when it happens to a priest, it often shocks people even more. “Aren’t they supposed to be joyful?” we wonder. “Aren’t they supposed to be beacons of hope—the ones who step into the darkness and lead us toward light?” They are meant to be exemplars of faith and virtue. So when a priest falls so hard that he takes his own life, priests and faithful alike are left asking: What happened?
We may never know the full answer—only God knows the hearts and stories of these men. But as a priest, I’d like to offer a few simple reflections that might help all of us understand a bit more, and to give us something to do to help.
Your Priest Is Human
This might seem obvious—but it’s easy to forget. Your priest came from a family, lived a normal life, and had experiences much like your own. And yet, God called him to something extraordinary. That calling doesn’t remove his humanity. In fact, God often works through it—or even in spite of it.
He still struggles. He still sins He still wrestles with weaknesses. His family may have their own wounds. He has to keep himself healthy—physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually— with few people checking in to ask how he’s really doing. He has bills to pay, things to repair, and sleepless nights filled with worry. Perhaps one could add to that a schedule that is often almost literally running from one thing to the next. He’s not just a “sacramental machine” who can function endlessly without rest. He’s human—just like you.
The Negative Often Persists More Than the Positive
It’s far easier for complaints to reach our ears than compliments. We hear them after Mass, in the office, in emails and anonymous notes. Here is just a small sampling of some common ones:
“Father, the church is too hot… or too cold.”
“Father, can the choir be quieter?”
“Father, why are your homilies so long?”
“Why isn’t Mass more exciting?”
“I’m upset with something your staff did.”
Meanwhile, any compliments are
many of them. Truly, I wouldn’t trade many of them for anything else in this world. We love so much of what we do. We wouldn’t still be here if we didn’t. Further, we know the sacred duty being entrusted to us- and we have literally laid our lives down on the floor to do it. We are happy and overjoyed- and I know I speak for so many in saying how grateful we are for the call from God, no matter what happened that day, or is going on in our lives.
Maybe the task at hand, that I would suggest, is to simply try to see the priest who is with you with a little more understanding.
rare. Maybe the homily was moving—but no one stopped to say so before heading to brunch.
We notice the family that leaves before the final hymn. We might be alone in the confessional again. We wonder how to pay for a broken air conditioner. We see pews empty when the weather is either “too nice” or “too bad.” We notice who’s missing—again—and wonder where they went.
Please know that this isn’t to discourage legitimate feedback. But it’s a reminder that your priest carries a tremendous load, and constant criticism can quietly wear him down. Honestly, it would wear anyone down.
The Temptation for a Priest to Despair Is Real
A priest is called to preach, to teach, to shepherd—and yet often, he sees very little fruit. He preaches a homily he poured himself into, and it seems to land flat. He invites people to rediscover Sunday Mass, only to find those who are absent, and most need to hear it are unchanged.
He hears the whispers: “They started going to the non-denominational church most of the time. It’s just more exciting.” Or, “I get more out of their service.” He starts a new parish initiative, excited for renewal, only to hear: “We couldn’t make it… there was a sports tournament.”
He fixes one thing in the parish, and two more break. He marries a couple with joy, only to see them disappear from Mass. He buries a beloved parishioner with a nearly empty church. He sees the ridicule of Christianity online and wonders if hope is slipping away for
change on a cultural level. He continues to work hard for a parish or even a school to thrive, and he often gets more resistance than reward.
A brother priest recently said something to this effect: he did not think people realize how much some priests endure and carry. It would likely crush an ordinary man. A priest absorbs others’ pain. He’s misunderstood. He’s gossiped about. He cleans up messes he didn’t cause. He sometimes has to navigate decisions from superiors that feel disconnected. He experiences burnout. He feels like a failure more often than a success. And around the holidays—when everyone else is with family—he feels the sting of solitude.
He’s not the only one who carries these burdens, but for many priests, they come all at once—and they compound. It can be absolutely crippling. God’s grace is there, absolutely, but that does not mean the cross does not weigh heavy at times.
So What Should You Do?
Does this mean you should leave your priest alone, and just let him be? Not at all.
In fact, I often stop people when they begin a conversation with, “Father, I know you’re so busy…” Yes, I’m busy— doing the Lord’s work, which is being here for you, right now.” Don’t be afraid to call. Don’t be afraid to ask. Don’t hesitate, even if it’s 3 a.m., because your grandmother is dying and needs the sacraments. That’s why I became a priest. I live for those sacred moments. Don’t get me wrong- there are so, so many joys we experience as priestsand I feel privileged to be a part of so
No, we are not perfect, and perhaps far from it. However, just think: maybe you don’t see how your priest is doing his best—and pouring his heart out every day, whether you might see it or not. Maybe the temperature in church doesn’t matter as much as the fact that you’re there. Maybe Sunday soccer isn’t worth missing Mass over. Maybe you could tell him how that homily moved you. Or invite him to dinner. He loves being a part of your life. I cannot tell you how healing these moments are for those of us charged with your souls.
And, above all else, pray for your priest. We spend so much time praying for you- especially those of you that feel forgotten. You may not know the battles he’s fighting, and that’s okay. You don’t see the crosses he’s carrying and that too is fine. You don’t realize how hard he’s trying—especially in the quiet hours when the world is asleep, because that is what a good priest does.
Often, we priests are fighting so hard for you. We just hope that you’re fighting for us, too.
Yes, it’s shocking when a priest takes his own life. But perhaps it’s also a wake-up call. We shepherds love our flocks so much. We are charged with ceaseless care for you. And maybe, just maybe, from time to time, we do need to be reminded that you also love us—and are willing to care for us, too. ©TM
Fr. Daniel Belken is pastor of St. Denis Parish, Benton, and St. Lawrence Parish, New Hamburg. As a “cradle Catholic,” he had an early start on a path that eventually led him to the seminary after graduating high school. This was due in great measure to the boundless passion and zeal of Pope Saint John Paul II, several good priests, and ultimately, God’s great mercy. He was ordained a priest on June 12, 2020. In his leisure time, he enjoys practicing and playing the organ, reading classic literature, and publishing to his Podcast “Open Wide the Doors.”
HIDDEN BURDENS OF PRIESTS Father Daniel Belken writes in a thoughtful essay on the gift of the priesthood: “Your priest came from a family, lived a normal life, and had experiences much like your own. And yet, God called him to something extraordinary. That calling doesn’t remove his humanity. In fact, God often works through it—or even in spite of it.” (Getty images)
VBS DRAWS PARISHIONERS TOGETHER ”The last day of Vacation Bible School, each Guide Leader made a list of questions to ask their age-specific group about facts they learned during the week. Each child that answered the questions correctly, were awarded a cross,” said Sarah Hunter. “The crosses were a gift from a man in the community who wanted to help our VBS.” (The Mirror)
Mary Magdalene
SETH DILLON, CEO OF THE BABYLON BEE , TO HEADLINE VITAE FOUNDATION’S SPRINGFIELD
PRO-LIFE DINNER
Jefferson City, MO
Seth Dillon, CEO of The Babylon Bee, is coming to Springfield, Missouri for Vitae Foundation’s Springfield Pro-Life Dinner on Fri., August 22, 2025.
vitaefoundation.org/events or by calling 573.634.4316.
All proceeds of the pro-life dinner benefit Vitae Foundation, a national non-profit organization that facilitates research about life issues and applies the findings to create messaging strategies to share with others so together, we can build a future where abortion is unthinkable.
As the premier research authority on abortion decision-making, we’ve spent decades successfully reaching women with lifesaving messages. Now we’re ready to share what works and what doesn’t so that together, we can defeat misinformation and build a future where abortion is unthinkable. ©TM summer.
“I’ve been seeing a lot of the exciting, fun things that other churches have, and I just really wanted ours to do that, too,” Bucher said. “I brought it to the group’s attention.”
The planning took off from there.
“So many people are excited about it, and I think the kids are loving it,” Bucher said.
During VBS Cathy Bucher dressed in full costume to represent the Saint of the
Day: Monday— Saint Nicholas; Tuesday—Holy Family; Wednesday— Saint Peter; Thursday—Saint Josephine Bakhita, and Friday—Saint
FOLLOW
St. Francis-Xavier’s VBS was staffed by about 20 volunteers, including high school students and older children from the parish, the organizers said.
St. Francis Xavier School alum Johnathan Chittenden, who will be an incoming sophomore at Notre Dame Regional High School, in Cape Girardeau, volunteered at VBS by helping at the different stations.
“It’s pretty cool,” he said. “All the kids have been enjoying it.” ©TM Leona Herring serves as news editor for the local Standard Democrat. She generously shared this story for The Mirror readers.
PRIESTS:
Rev. Emmanuel Konyeaso, Aug. 14, 15 yrs.
Fr. Justus Ndyamukama, Aug. 15, 24 yrs.
Rev. Maurice Chukwukere, Aug. 23, 17 yrs.
Fr. Emmanuel Dibia, Aug. 23, 11 yrs.
DEACONS:
Deacon Michael Fritz, Aug. 12, 8 yrs.
Deacon James Walter, Aug. 12, 8 yrs.
Taking on the tone of a traditional news media publication, The Babylon Bee, “Fake news you can trust,” satirizes real-world events and public figures. Dillon’s experience with censorship and deplatforming has placed him on the front lines of the battle for free speech in the public square. He now speaks on college campuses and at conferences across the country about the effectiveness of humor, the moral imperative of mockery, and the dangers of censorship. He occasionally signs off the social media platform X to enjoy time with his wife and two sons in Juno Beach, FL.
Registration is $75 per person and can be completed online at
DIOCESAN NEWS/ADVERTISING
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Aurora—All are welcome as Holy Trinity Parish will have First Saturday devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, every first Saturday with a rosary at 7:30 a.m., followed by Mass at 8 a.m. Belleville, IL—The 82nd Annual Healing and Hope Novena to Our Lady of the Snows, “Finding Healing And Hope,” will be held Mon., July 28Tue., Aug. 5, at the Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows Church. Mass begins at 7 p.m. each night, and will include special reflections, prayers, and music, and will conclude with a beautiful praying of the rosary by candlelight. Join us in prayer for any or all of these nine evening Masses, as we pray for our own needs and those of our whole world. Information is available at https//snows.org/, or call the Shrine at (618) 394-6276.
Marble Hill SAVE THE DATE! Band Fest VI benefitting Options for Women will be held Sat., Sept. 20, at 10 Point Lake, CR 520. Questions: contact Terrie Rose (573) 238-5731.
Scott City St. Joseph Parish Charity Rummage Sale will be held Thu., Aug. 21; Fri., Aug. 22; and Sat., Aug. 23, at the Knights of Columbus Hall (lower level) located at 28745 Highway 61 in Scott City. Doors open at 7 a.m. and will close at 6 p.m. on Thursday & Friday, and 12-Noon on Saturday. Furniture,
appliances, plants, jewelry, toys, bikes, shoes, lots of clothes, and much more!
Springfield—Sacred Heart Church will hold its Annual Garage Sale, Fri., July 25, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sat., July 26, 8 a.m.-4 p.m., and again the following weekend, Aug. 1-2, with the same hours. Clothing, including X-large sizes for adults, a variety of coats, small appliances, linens, specialty items, sports equipment, and much more. Please stop by and pick up some treasures to take home.
Springfield—Sacred Heart Parish will hold its Annual Festival of Nations, Sat., Aug. 23, 5-9 p.m. in the Parish Hall and outside grounds. Please mark your calendars and come enjoy delicious food, music, and entertainment from many countries. There will be an area for children to enjoy.
Springfield—Plan now to join Catholic Charities at one of two dinner galas supporting LifeHouse Crisis Maternity Homes: in Springfield on Sat., Sept. 20, and on Sat., Nov. 1, in Cape Girardeau. Sponsorships are now available for both events! Contact Suzanne Cronkhite at scronkhite@ccsomo.org or call (417) 7204213; www.ccsomo.org.
Parishes and organizations are invited to submit notices of future events to be printed on a space-available basis. There is no fee.
DURING THIS EUCHARISTIC REVIVAL, FR. DAVID COON OFFERS THE FOLLOWING QUOTE FOR THE REFLECTION ON THE EUCHARIST:
“If I can give you any advice, I beg you to get closer to the Eucharist and to Jesus … We must pray to Jesus to give us that tenderness of the Eucharist.”
—ST. TERESA OF CALCUTTA
Father Coon is Pastor of Sacred Heart Parish, Dexter. He serves the Diocese as Priest Minister for Spiritual Deliverance & Exorcism and the Confraternity of Priest Adorers of the Eucharistic Face of Jesus.
TUNE IN TO LOCAL CATHOLIC
KJCW
DioSCG.org/ employment
Diocese purchases beloved Camp St. Vincent from Vincentians
By Paula Wright Fredericktown, MO
For over 50 years, Camp St. Vincent, Fredericktown, MO, has been a location for the diocesan summer Camp Re-NEW-All program. The property, owned by The Vincentians, the Congregation of the Mission founded by St. Vincent de Paul, had also served as a summer retreat for their seminarians and congregation. They no longer used the property for this purpose and the opportunity to purchase the property became a reality. On May 16, 2025, the diocese became the new owner of Camp St. Vincent in Fredericktown, MO.
Western Province) said they were ready to sell the property and would like us to have the final offer if we wanted to purchase it. And, I said, ‘Absolutely!’”
Over the years, the diocese has helped to maintain and support the camp properties.
cabins; a cafeteria and kitchen equipped to serve large groups, and a chapel. Longterm the hope is to modify the facilities at the camp to make them usable year-round, enabling more groups to utilize the location.
“Every year in the nine years I have been here, the Vincentians ask if we would be interested in purchasing the land from them when they finally decide to sell. And every year I tell them, ‘Certainly!’ I think it was nice they wanted to keep it in the Church and not sell it to a private individual or group,” said The Most Reverend Edward Rice, Bishop of the Diocese of SpringfieldCape Girardeau. “Finally, this past winter Fr. Joe Williams, (Joseph Williams, CM, Provincial Superior of the Congregation of the Mission,
“The diocese installed a new shower house just last year,” said Taryn VoganBohrer, Director, Office of Development & Properties, for the diocese. “We have invested in the camp, mostly in maintaining the facilities using the [funds from] the Youth Endowment and the Diocesan Development Fund. The Vincentians acknowledged our stewardship of the property and credited the investments toward the purchase price.”
The camp in Fredericktown is set on 100 beautiful acres of nature with access to the St. Francis River that can be used for swimming and water activities. Located on the property are
The camp buildings are currently not heated, which prevents coldweather use. Future considerations also include a possible upgrade to the kitchen and cafeteria to create a versatile lodge and to build a permanent chapel.
PURCHASE OF CAMP ST. VINCENT Camp St. Vincent Director
Kim Sellers and Bishop Edward M. Rice held the paperwork for the property of Camp St. Vincent, in Fredericktown, that the Diocese purchased in May from the Congregation of the Mission (Vincentians) in Perryville, MO. For over 50 years, the Congregation has allowed the land to be used for summer Camp Re-NEW-All sessions and now the Diocese owns the 100-acre tract of land.
The diocese is grateful to the Vincentians and the opportunity the new ownership offers for the future growth and continuity of the camp.
(The Mirror)
The Vincentians have a long legacy of spreading the gospel in southeast Missouri. St. Mary’s of the Barrens Catholic Church, Perryville, MO, is a
former seminary for the Vincentians. The seminary, founded in 1818 by the Congregation of the Mission (the Vincentians) predates the state of Missouri and was the first seminary created West of the Mississippi River.
ST. MARK CHAPEL Named for St. Mark (and Camp Re-NEWAll co-founder Fr. Mark Binder), St. Mark Chapel is where Mass is celebrated for campers and staff at Camp St. Vincent in Fredericktown. Getting ready to process into Mass was Fr. Colby Elbert, pastor of St. Francis Xavier Parish, Sikeston (The Mirror)
JESUS AT CAMP The monstrance with Christ present in the Eucharist is featured for a holy hour on Thursdays of all sessions of Camp Re-NEW-All at Camp St. Vincent in Fredericktown, which is also when campers and staff celebrate a penance service (The Mirror)
ENERGETIC SINGERS Camp Re-NEW-All camp counselors share the joy of the gospel in song at a recent session of Camp Re-NEW-All at Camp St. Vincent, in Fredericktown (The Mirror)
Photos from Camp St. Vincent
SUMMER YOUTH Campers for a recent session of Camp Re-NEW-All at Camp St. Vincent, in Fredericktown, enjoyed a craft session. The Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau closed on the purchase of the 100-acre plot of land in May from the Vincentian Fathers
CAPE GIRARDEAU ARTISANS CREATE Jubilee Year of Hope crosses for diocesan youth pilgrimage sites
Cape Girardeau, MO
In keeping with Pope Francis’s instructions for observing the holiness of the Jubilee Year of Hope 2025, bishops across the US have designated special places as “pilgrimage sites.” These sites— often cathedrals, as is the case in our diocese—are usually denoted as such with the implementation and showcasing of a special “jubilee cross.” Pilgrimage sites in the Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau are St. Mary of
the Annunciation Cathedral, Cape Girardeau, and St. Agnes Cathedral, in Springfield.
ARTISANS CRAFT & DONATE JUBILEE CROSSES FOR SUMMER YOUTH MINISTRY PROGRAMS Paul Summers and Dennis Vollink, Cape Girardeau, generously shared their wood-working skills to craft for and deliver to Bishop Edward M. Rice two Jubilee of Hope crosses to be utilized in summerspecific youth ministry programs this year. Bishop Rice wanted to designate both campsites for Camp Re-NEW-All as pilgrimage sites for the youth and staff in attendance, making it even more reasonable for them to observe the holiness of the Jubilee Year. (The Mirror)
Jubilee of Hope crosses Additionally, and to highlight the importance of the Jubilee Year of Hope for our youth engaged in summer-specific ministry programs this year, Bishop Edward Rice designated both Camp Re-NEW-All locations as pilgrimage sites for the youth and staff in attendance: Camp (St.) Carlo, in Conway, and Camp St. Vincent, in Fredericktown. Bishop Rice reached out to Dennis Vollink and Paul Summers asking if they would create two Camp Re-NEW-All crosses in support of these designations. These two men agreed and constructed two beautiful, sturdy, lightweight, mobile crosses for use this summer at each camp site. The materials, labor, and finished project were all generously donated.
These Jubilee of Hope crosses have been catalysts for earnest conversation about the importance of the jubilee. The crosses are displayed in prominent areas of each camp for all in attendance to see. They have created blessed places for youth and staff to pray together with the Jubilee Year Prayer.
The Jubilee Prayer Father in heaven, may the faith you have given us in your son, Jesus Christ, our brother, and the flame of charity enkindled in our hearts by the Holy Spirit, reawaken in us the blessed hope for the coming of your Kingdom. May your grace transform us into tireless cultivators of the seeds of the Gospel. May those seeds transform from within both humanity and the whole cosmos in the sure expectation
JUBILEE YEAR CROSS AT CAMP ST. VINCENT Father Maurice Chukwukere and Bishop Rice highlighted the Jubilee Cross of Hope during a recent Mass held for campers and staff at Camp St. Vincent in Fredericktown. In keeping with Pope Francis’s instructions for observing the holiness of the Jubilee Year 2025, bishops across the US have designated special places as “pilgrimage sites.” These sites-often cathedrals, as is the case in our diocese--are usually denoted as such with the implementation and showcasing of a special “jubilee cross.” Camp (St.) Carlo, in Conway, also has a Jubilee of Hope cross for youth and staff. (The Mirror)
of a new heaven and a new earth, when, with the powers of Evil vanquished, your glory will shine eternally.
May the grace of the Jubilee reawaken in us, Pilgrims of Hope, a yearning for the treasures of heaven.
May that same grace spread the joy and peace of our Redeemer throughout the earth.
To you our God, eternally blessed, be glory and praise for ever.
(The Mirror)
ADULT FAITH/NATIONAL
Execution date set for man sentenced to die by a Missouri judge over 2005 murder
By Clara Bates
AMissouri man who was sentenced to death by a trial judge in 2009 despite a jury deadlocking on whether he should be executed has been scheduled to undergo lethal injection in October.
The Missouri Supreme Court recently issued a warrant for the execution of Lance Shockley, who has exhausted his state and federal appeals and was convicted of the 2005 murder of Missouri State Highway Patrol Sgt. Carl Dewayne Graham, Jr.
Graham was shot and killed in his rural Carter County driveway. Graham had been investigating Shockley’s role in a fatal drunk-driving accident, which the prosecution argued gave Shockley the motive to kill him. Shockley has insisted he’s innocent.
Judge-imposed executions
A jury in 2009 found Shockley guilty of firstdegree murder. But in the punishment phase of Shockley’s trial, the jury failed to reach a unanimous decision on whether he should be executed.
after independent review, sentenced him to death.
Only Missouri and Indiana give judges the authority to unilaterally decide on the death penalty, a fact that over the years has drawn scrutiny from those who believe it places too much power in the hands of one person and denies defendants their constitutional rights to trial by jury and protection against cruel and unusual punishment.
MISSOURI JUDGE SENTENCES EXECUTION Despite only circumstantial evidence and a jury deadlocked, Lance Shockley has been sentenced to death by lethal injection in October. Missouri is one of only two states in which judges can unilaterally impose the death penalty when a jury can’t agree on whether the defendant should be sentenced to death. In most other states, a deadlocked jury results in a sentence of life without parole.
In 2023 Amber McLaughlin was executed because of the unilateral decision of a trial judge. Several retired judges opposed the execution in a letter to then-Gov. Mike Parson, calling it a “flaw in Missouri’s capital sentencing scheme.”
(Getty images)
Especially in death penalty cases, but in every case that jurors hear, the jury is, among other things, a conscience of the community.
– Michael Wolff, retired chief justice of the Missouri Supreme Court
In most states with active death penalty laws, that deadlock would have resulted in the defendant being sentenced to life without parole.
But under Missouri law, Shockley’s penalty case then got handed off to a Carter County circuit judge who,
An analysis included in an amicus brief to the U.S. Supreme Court organized by the national nonprofit watchdog group Project on Government Oversight found Missouri judges, who are elected in most parts of the state, have been more likely than juries to impose death sentences.
In cases without jury deadlock, from 2000 to 2018, the jury imposed a death sentence in 64 percent of cases. But in deadlocked cases with a trial judge
making the decision, the death penalty was imposed in 86 percent of cases, according to the brief.
In recent years, a bipartisan group of lawmakers have filed legislation to eliminate judge-imposed executions, but the proposals have made little progress.
Circumstantial evidence
Shockley has denied his involvement in Graham’s death, citing the lack of physical evidence or eyewitnesses. His attorneys have tried unsuccessfully to get evidence from the crime scene tested for DNA and have argued the police failed to investigate other possible suspects.
“Shockley ’s defense at trial was that he was not the one who killed Sgt. Graham,” his attorney wrote in a May brief. “Shockley has never wavered in that position.”
His attorney didn’t immediately
respond to a request for comment.
The prosecution said Shockley borrowed a relative’s car the afternoon of Graham’s death and the car matched the description witnesses gave of one parked near Graham’s house the afternoon of his murder.
Prosecutors also argued the recovered bullets may have been consistent with the caliber of a rifle Shockley owned. No murder weapon was found.
The Missouri Supreme Court, responding to the defense’s argument that the death penalty was excessive or disproportionate punishment for a case relying on circumstantial proof, said courts have previously upheld death sentences in cases hinging on strong circumstantial evidence and here, “the circumstantial evidence was strong.”
Shockley would be the first person executed in Missouri this year, barring intervention from Gov. Mike Kehoe or the US Supreme Court.
Last year, Missouri executed four people. It was one of four states responsible for 76 percent of executions that year, according to the Death Penalty Information Center. ©TM
This article is reprinted from the Missouri Independent, www.missouriindependent.com.
Clara Bates covers social services and poverty for the Missouri Independent. She is a graduate of Harvard College and a member of the Report for America Corps.
TEXAS FLOODING RELIEFCATHOLIC CHARITIES USA
Relentless flooding has torn through the Hill Country in Central Texas, leaving entire communities underwater.
At least 132 lives have been lost — including 106 in Kerr County alone. Among them were 36 children at Camp Mystic, whose lives were tragically cut short. An estimated 101 remain missing while search and rescue efforts have been challenged with continued rain and flooding in the area.
Catholic Charities is on the ground right now, providing food, clean water, shelter, and other critical supplies to individuals and families who have lost everything.
Your emergency gift today will help keep these vital efforts going — offering immediate relief and support for the long road to recovery ahead: 100% of your donation will go directly toward emergency response and rebuilding efforts in these hard-hit Texas communities.”
OBITUARY // Brother Thomas Joseph Haerle, CMF
Claretian Brother Thomas J. Haerle, CMF, died on Sat., June 28, 2025 while in the care of St. John of God Retirement and Care Center in Los Angeles, CA. He was 72. Brother Tom was born on Feb. 08, 1953, in Tell City, IN. One of four children (two brothers and a sister), he is the son of the late Anthony and Mary Agnes (nee DuPont) Haerle.
Brother Haerle first attended St. Mary’s minor seminary in Kentucky for three years but returned to finish his prep education at Tell City High School, graduating in 1971. He then entered St. Meinrad College, in St. Meinrad, IN, where he graduated in 1976 with a BA in Biology. From 1976-78, he continued his studies at St. Meinrad School of Theology where he received ministries of Lector and Acolyte in preparation for the priesthood. He took a brief leave of absence to work with Catholic Charities in Terre Haute, IN, as well as at Deaconess Hospital in Evansville, IN. During that time, he recalled, “I was involved in providing emergency shelter for homeless people, and I also worked with Cuban refugees, helping them in such matters as finding a job.”
In 1983, Br. Haerle joined the Claretians after he felt, “God was calling me back to the religious life, to become a brother rather than a priest.” From 198386, he studied at Catholic Theological Union where he earned a Master of Divinity. He made his religious profession as a Claretian Missionary on Aug. 20, 1985, and his perpetual profession on Aug. 5, 1990, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, in Poplar Bluff, MO. His first assignment was as Director of Religious Education and Pastoral Minister at Sacred Heart Parish from 1986-90.
After that and for the next 11 years, 1990-2001, Br. Haerle made vital contributions to the Catholic campus ministry program at then-Southwest Missouri State University, in Springfield, MO, as Campus Minister. “I enjoyed my time in campus ministry very much,” he said. “It gave me the opportunity to work with young people, to encourage them to be more involved with the work of the Church, and to help develop them into responsible members of society.”
Following his assignment in Springfield, which also included time spent counseling students at nearby Drury University and Ozarks Technical Community College, Br. Haerle was assigned to the Claretian foreign mission in Kingston, Jamaica. From 2001-06, he served as Pastoral Minister at St. John the Baptist Church, working with young people and at Our Lady of the Angels Church, teaching grade school.
He was also instrumental in setting up senior citizen clubs in both parishes and picking up and delivering food to the poor families in the area.
In 2006, Br. Tom returned stateside and was assigned in-residence at Barbastro House (Claretian Candidate House) in Chicago, IL, until 2007. He then moved to Casa Claret, where until 2010, he worked with Hispanic college-aged students who were considering a religious vocation with the Claretians. From 2010-12, Br. Haerle was assigned to the Claretian parish of Holy Cross/Immaculate Heart of Mary in Chicago, IL, as Pastoral Minister. From there, he was assigned to the Claretian community at Dominguez Seminary in Rancho Dominguez, CA, where he served 2012-2023. There, he worked taking care of the community, but especially our Senior community members: taking them to/from medical appointments, out on day (field) trips, etc., until his own medical needs began to slow him down. He retired there.
Eventually in 2023, Br. Haerle was moved to St. John of God Retirement Center where his medical needs could be better addressed. He died peacefully late in the evening of Sat., June 28. “BroTee,” as he was affectionately called by many, will always be remembered for his calm and friendly demeanor, always greeting you with a smile and a kind word. Thank you BroTee for your forty (40) years of dedicated service. May you rest in peace.. ©TM
NEW CATHOLIC SCOUTING PATCH HONORS POPE LEO XIV
By Gina Christian Rociada, NM
Catholic scouts have several new honors to aim for, including a Pope Leo XIV patch. The US Bishops Religious Activities Committee of the National Catholic Committee on Scouting has announced five new religious activity programs to help scouts to learn more about and deepen their faith. The new activities include the Pope Leo XIV patch, part of the NCCS’s Faith Series. The requirements for the patch will offer the chance to learn more about “our first American born Pope,” said the NCCS. “In addition, scouts will learn what the papacy means and its history.” Other new
patches honor St. John Paul II, St. Faustina Kowalska, St. Maximilian Kolbe, Venerable Emil Kapaun, and Venerable Augustus Tolton. In addition, the NCCS has unveiled a new activity series on Religious Trails, designed to spark pilgrimages “to the important religious sites in our country.” Four sites in Washington have so far been designated for the patch: the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, the St. John Paul II National Shrine, The Catholic University of America and the Franciscan Monastery of the Holy Land in America. More information about the NCCS and its activities is available at nccs-bsa.org/religious-activities ©OSV News
SPRINGFIELD RESURRECTION CEMETERY BEGINS 2025 IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN
By Paula Wright Springfield, MO
At the conclusion of the Memorial Day Mass held May 26, The Most Reverend Edward Rice, Bishop of the Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau introduced the Springfield Resurrection Cemetery Improvement Campaign 2025, as the cemetery faces ongoing challenges from flooding and aging infrastructure.
The campaign goal is to raise $165,000 for the completion of a land survey, correction of water drainage issues, and road repairs for Resurrection Cemetery.
“This big project is due to the topography at Resurrection Cemetery,” said Russ Koeneman, Director of Springfield Catholic Cemeteries. “All the water drains toward the Northwest corner, and there is nowhere for it to go. So, we end up with water standing down where our big shrine is. We have a plan in place to get this corrected and we hope to get this done as soon as possible.”
The Cemetery Board has been completing road maintenance through the years, but it is now at a critical point to have the road repair and replacement work completed to help redirect water through the cemetery.
“Although we are doing ongoing road maintenance, mostly filling in the really bad potholes and cracks, what we need to do, and what we hope to accomplish, is to repave the roads in
the cemetery,” Koeneman said. “The cemetery roads need to be re-asphalted, and we need to replace the curbs to help with the drainage issues and to keep water flowing to where we want it to go.”
“The roads are in bad shape. We have planned for temporary repairs of the roads but need to repave them. The cost of this work is over $100,000 and may increase in time. We just don’t have the resources currently without this improvement campaign,” John Kubicek, said. Kubicek serves on the Springfield Cemetery Board, and is a member of St. Agnes Cathedral Parish.
Addressing the water drainage problem is a two-step process.
“We are ready to start (addressing the ground issues) whenever the contractor can begin. We need to do this first before we do anything on the roads. The road repair we are doing now is going to last about three years. This gives us time to raise the money to rebuild the roads and get them done correctly. Hopefully, we will beat this timeframe,” said Koeneman.
“With this campaign, we are also going to have engineers survey additional grave areas for use. But the road work is the main project to get done. If we can get the roads done, then we will be in pretty good shape for operating on a day-to-day basis,” continued Koeneman. “My goal is to get it looking as good as possible. We really want people to come to the cemetery and be proud of it and be happy to have their
loved ones placed there so we can honor them as we go forward.”
This past fall a half dozen benches were placed around Resurrection Cemetery so people would have a place to sit when they are visiting.
“We would like to be able to add more benches at some point just to make it more ‘user friendly’ so to speak for visitors,” shared Koeneman.
“Last spring a new statue of Mary was added to the priest section of the cemetery honoring the clergy,” said Peggy Kubicek, Springfield Cemeteries Board member, St. Agnes Cathedral. “Russ (Koeneman) eventually would like something added to the front of the cemetery that declares it is a Catholic cemetery for those driving past.”
Sustained by Springfield parishes
St. Mary’s Cemetery, located on West Mt. Vernon Street, Springfield, was established in 1872 and on March 13, 1959, founding-Bishop Charles Helmsing purchased a 95-acre tract on W. Division Street, which became Resurrection Cemetery. Since the first burial in March of 1873*, St. Mary’s Cemetery and, later, Resurrection Cemetery have served the parishes of Springfield, MO. Their message is one of hope in the sure knowledge of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection—and His promise to us of eternal life in Him.
The Most Rev. Ignatius J. Strecker, DD, STD, second Bishop of the Diocese
of Springfield-Cape Girardeau, aptly described Catholic cemeteries in March of 1969, “The cemetery has always been sacred and holy to Catholics. It is the extension of the Church, where the faithful continue to praise God even in the sleep of death. It is ‘God’s Holy Acre,’ where His children await the glorious day of resurrection.”
The Springfield Catholic Cemeteries Board oversees both Springfield cemeteries and is composed of one pastor and a lay member from each Springfield parish. Its stewardship includes responsible care of the grounds and fixtures and maintaining a sacred space that fosters consolation, prayer, dignity, hope, and peace. Financial support comes from parish assessments, private donations, sales from lots and niches, plus burial- and inurnmentrelated fees. The board works in concert with Church officials and others to ensure judicious application of the time, talents, and treasure of contributors.
“The reality is cemeteries are not something everyone wants to donate to. But we are very hopeful. The Catholic community is very giving,” Koeneman said.
To donate, and to learn more about the Springfield Catholic cemeteries, visit dioscg.org/springfield-catholiccemetery/. ©TM
*Sally Lyons McAlear, South of the Tracks, A Centennial of St. Agnes Parish, Springfield, MO 1908-2008, Walsworth Publishing Co., Appendix D.
What is it?
Project Rachel is the Catholic Church’s ministry of love, support, and healing for those who have been involved in abortion. To implement that ministry, our Diocese has created an integrated network of services, including pastoral counseling, support groups, retreats, opportunities for sacramental forgiveness, and referrals to licensed mental health professionals.
Why are we doing it?
It’s normal to grieve a pregnancy loss, but the loss of a child by abortion can create a hole so deep in one’s heart that it may seem the emptiness can never be filled. With the
PROJECT RACHEL
forgiveness, hope, and healing provided through Project Rachel Ministries, many women and men have returned to a loving relationship with God.
How do people get help?
Women and men who have been involved in abortion are invited to contact the diocesan Project Rachel Ministry to receive free, compassionate and confidential help. Call (417) 340-0302 or Email projectrachel@dioscg.org to learn more. A list of ministry resources is available at hopeafterabortion.com.
Kim Brayman, Project Rachel Program Coordinator
Hurting? Confidentially call (417) 340-0302 or email ProjectRachel@dioscg.org.
The VIRTUS Protecting God’s Children Safe Environment training for adults is available online.
Preregistration is necessary: If you are a new registrant please go to www.virtus.org and click on “first time registrant” on the left, and follow the prompts to register for Online training. Instructions for the registration process can also be found on the Child and Youth Protection Page of the diocesan Website.
Both in-person and online training sessions are for adults only.
Before engaging in activities involving minors and/or vulnerable adults, new volunteers or employees are required to complete the VIRTUS Protecting God’s Children training for adults, submit a current Background Disclosure and Authorization Form, and read, sign and submit the annual Code of Conduct, which are available on the VIRTUS Website and the Diocese of SpringfieldCape Girardeau Child and Youth Protection Webpage: www.dioscg.org/child-youth-protection/ For more information, please contact the Office of Child and Youth Protection, childandyouthprotection@dioscg.org; or Bill Holtmeyer, billholtmeyer@dioscg.org; or Shelly Ferry, sferry@dioscg.org, (417) 866-0841 www.dioscg.org/wp-content/uploads/How-to-Register-for-a-VIRTUS-withOnline-Option.pdf
NOTRE DAME REGIONAL HIGH SCHOOL, CAPE GIRARDEAU is celebrating 100 years of Catholic education! Join us as we kick off our year of centennial celebrations with Alumni Fest, Aug. 8-11! We have a jammed-packed weekend planned with fun, family, and a trip down memory lane!
SATURDAY, AUGUST 9, will feature the family-friendly Bulldog Bash held on campus at ND! Catch up with your classmates, tour the school, and look back at 100 years worth of Bulldog memorabilia. We’ll have games and face painting for kids all day. Free event – food & beverages for sale. All parents of alumni, alumni, and their families, past faculty and staff, and current ND families are invited! Come any time from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.!
Learn more about ND’s ALUMNI FEST WEEKEND at WWW.NOTREDAMEHIGHSCHOOL.ORG/ALUMNIFEST
Abortion Healing Ministry
Fr.
